nursing education – JRM Nurse Consultants

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, but it often brings physiological changes that can impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. Understanding these risks is essential for both healthcare providers and women themselves. Nurses play a key role in education, prevention, and advocacy for healthy aging.

Cardiovascular Risks in Menopause:
The decline in estrogen during menopause affects the cardiovascular system. Key concerns include:

Increased blood pressure
Changes in cholesterol levels (higher LDL, lower HDL)
Greater risk of heart disease and stroke

Nursing Perspective:
Monitoring vital signs, patient education on heart-healthy habits, and advocating for regular screenings can reduce cardiovascular risk.

Metabolic Dysfunction:
Menopause can also affect metabolism, leading to:

Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
Insulin resistance and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes
Changes in lipid and glucose metabolism

Lifestyle and Functional Medicine Interventions:
Nurses and healthcare providers can guide patients toward sustainable interventions:

Nutrition: Emphasize anti-inflammatory foods, balanced macronutrients, and adequate fiber.
Physical activity: Regular aerobic and resistance exercise to support heart health and metabolism.
Sleep and stress management: Quality sleep and stress reduction techniques improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular resilience.
Functional labs and personalized assessment: Identify hormonal imbalances, metabolic markers, and cardiovascular risk factors to tailor care.

Patient Perspective:
Women can feel empowered by understanding these changes. Small, consistent lifestyle adjustments, combined with regular check-ups, can significantly reduce long-term risks.

Menopause doesn’t have to mean inevitable cardiovascular or metabolic decline. Through awareness, proactive monitoring, and lifestyle interventions, nurses can help women maintain heart and metabolic health, improve quality of life, and promote longevity.

This week, women experiencing menopause can schedule a basic cardiovascular and metabolic screening — a first step in proactive, empowered care.

Written by Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, BC-FMP

It seems that the nursing shortage has been an ongoing issue for decades. I remember receiving a full one-year scholarship to attend nursing school my first year, only to have it revoked the second year when officials decided the nursing shortage was “over,” forcing me to take out student loans. This was frustrating, to say the least.

Even now, in my non-clinical role as a legal nurse, I observe that many nursing fields continue to experience staffing shortages (Moore, 2015). In hospitals, staffing decisions are often influenced by patient volume. Hospitals may hire fewer nurses to avoid having excess staff on a unit. If units have too many nurses, staff may be sent home without pay due to insufficient work.

During my son’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), I witnessed firsthand the effects of these staffing challenges. One day, I walked past a high-risk antepartum unit to find it dimly lit and empty. Concerned, I inquired and was told the unit was temporarily closed due to a lack of patients. While it reopened shortly after, this highlighted how unit closures, even if temporary, are influenced by patient flow rather than consistent coverage.

Overworked nurses are another consequence of staffing shortages. Articles indicate that the problem may worsen as baby boomers retire and there aren’t enough new nurses to fill their positions (“Focus on Education,” 2010). Entrance exams and minimum educational requirements can make it difficult for prospective students to enter the profession. However, advancing education is essential, given the increasingly complex medical cases and family dynamics nurses face today.

To address the shortage, healthcare employers must take proactive steps. Hiring more staff can prevent current nurses from becoming overextended, improve patient care, and reduce burnout. Additionally, colleges and hospitals should collaborate with high schools to recruit future nurses, presenting both the challenges and rewards of the profession. Identifying candidates who are a good fit for nursing will help ensure that graduates are prepared and committed to the field.

The nursing shortage is a multifaceted issue that affects patient care, staff morale, and the overall healthcare system. By taking steps to recruit, educate, and support new and existing nurses, we can build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

References

Moore, M. (2015). The nursing shortage and the doctor shortage are two very different things. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/06/05/the-nursing-shortage-and-the-doctor-shortage-are-two-very-different-things/

The future of nursing: Focus on education. (2010). Retrieved from http://nursejournal.org/articles/the-future-of-nursing-infographic/

Years of experience in Work Comp, Case Management, Disease Management, Utilization Review and Prior Authorization.

Tag Archives: nursing education

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Challenges in Menopausal Women

Addressing the Ongoing Nursing Shortage